The boss of a Spanish tourism body has issued a “significant alert” about a new European Union levy and its impact on the millions of British holidaymakers visiting the destination each year.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is expected to come into force in November.
Britons will be required to apply online for an Etias at a cost of €7 (about £6.20).
Juan Molas, president of lobbying body Mesa del Turismo, said there is concern about the new tourist tax, especially its impact on holidaymakers from the UK – Spain’s main source market.
Spain welcomed 18 million arrivals from the UK in 2019.
“It must also be taken into account that the measure – if it goes ahead – will be added to the rest of local taxes that the tourist is already paying to visit certain European cities,” he added.
He warned it constitutes a “potential threat” to the competitiveness of the Spanish tourism.
The introduction of the Etias system was last year delayed from May 2023 until November 2023. It will be similar to the Esta visa waiver scheme, which tourists must have to enter the US.
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